Outcome Data for Community Based Programs

In order to continually improve treatment and to better serve the many different people who receive chemical dependency services, we need to know about the experiences of those who attend treatment services. We believe that a person's background and environment may be related to alcohol and drug use and may have an effect on the recovery process.

Since February 1999, the Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse has contracted with Mountain Plains Research, under the leadership of Gary Leonardson, Ph.D., to conduct a treatment outcome evaluation program for state funded clients. All accredited alcohol and drug treatment programs that contract with the Department of Human Services/Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse must participate in the outcome study currently conducted by Mountain Plains Research (MPR).

MPR makes a conscientious effort to balance the needs of the client privacy with the needs of treatment programs to document effectiveness. A report is submitted by MPR 2 times per calendar year with a summary of the basic findings of the outcome data for that year. Treatment centers will receive reports describing in detail client populations, their special needs, their post-treatment functioning, and their reactions to the treatment experience. The compilation and analysis of all this information by an independent evaluator enhances its objectivity and credibility.

Data is collected for all clients who receive services for the Level III Medically-Monitored Intensive Inpatient Treatment Program for Adolescents; Level III.7 Medically-Monitored Intensive Inpatient Program for Adults; Intensive Outpatient Treatment for Pregnant Women/Women with Dependent Children; Clinically-Managed Low-Intensity Residential Programs for Pregnant Women/Women with dependent children; the adult and adolescent clients who receive services in the Intensive Outpatient Treatment Programs; and the adult clients who receive services in the Day Treatment Programs. This includes the Gambling Programs - Intensive Inpatient, Intensive Outpatient, and Day Treatment.